Hilliard residents will get a chance to shape the next round of e-bike and scooter regulations at a public open house tentatively set for Oct. 13.

City Manager Josh Rauch told City Council on Monday, Sept. 14 that staff will give a short presentation and then collect feedback from attendees, the Hilliard Beacon reported. A precise time and location have not been announced.

The forum comes less than three weeks after the city's new e-bike ordinance takes effect Wednesday, Sept. 23. Hilliard City Council approved Ordinance 26-17 on Aug. 24 in a 6-0 vote. Councilwoman Cynthia Vermillion was absent.

The law requires riders under 18 to wear helmets, bans Class 3 e-bikes (capable of 28 mph) from bike paths and shared-use paths, and gives police authority to impound devices involved in traffic violations. Parents or guardians whose children recklessly violate the rules face a minor misdemeanor on a first offense. Repeat violations within a year can escalate to fourth-degree and third-degree misdemeanor charges.

City leaders have signaled the ordinance is a starting point. Rauch called it "only step one" at the Aug. 24 meeting. Councilman Andy Teater said at the Aug. 24 meeting that the law "doesn't go far enough."

Rauch said the Oct. 13 forum could produce ideas for local follow-up legislation and for proposals to send to state lawmakers. "Maybe it will generate some ideas that we can run with here locally but also refer up to our friends and colleagues at the Statehouse," Rauch said on Sept. 14. Ohio House Bill 948, which addresses micro-mobility device policy, is under consideration in the General Assembly.

The city is also working with Hilliard City Schools on e-bike safety education. Earlier this summer, the city posted signs at Hilliard's Station Park reminding riders that e-bikes, scooters and other motorized devices are not permitted in the park.

Councilman Greg Betts, who sponsored the ordinance, described witnessing children who appeared to be in their early teens weaving through groups of pedestrians near Station Park and city sidewalks.

Residents can submit feedback and review current rules at the city's Ride Safely page. The city had not announced a time or location for the Oct. 13 forum as of Sept. 17.